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The Dozen Partons: A Complete List Of Dolly Parton’s 11 Siblings, Oldest To Youngest (And What They’re Doing In 2025)

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The enduring legend of Dolly Parton is inextricably linked to the extraordinary story of her family—a tale of 12 children raised in a one-room cabin in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. As of late 2025, the surviving members of the Parton family continue to honor their humble roots while forging their own paths in music, writing, and activism, proving that talent and a strong spirit run deep in the family bloodline.

The Parton family is a true American dynasty, not just for the country music icon, but for the collective talent and resilience of her 11 brothers and sisters. While many of the younger siblings followed Dolly into the entertainment world, others chose a private life, a testament to the diverse paths taken by the "Dozen Partons." This is the complete, definitive list of Dolly Parton's siblings, in order from the oldest to the youngest, including current details about their lives and legacies.

The Parton Family Biography: Parents and 12 Children

Dolly Parton was born the fourth of 12 children to her parents, Robert Lee "Lee" Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Caroline (Owens) Parton. Lee Parton (1921–2003) was a farmer and construction worker, while Avie Lee (1923–2003) was a homemaker and a musician who inspired her children with her beautiful singing. The family's musical heritage and strong faith were the foundation of their lives in the impoverished but loving environment of their mountain home.

The 12 Parton children, in order of birth, are:

  • 1. Willadeene Parton (Born 1940)
  • 2. David Wilburn Parton (Born 1942, Deceased)
  • 3. Coy Denver Parton (Born 1943)
  • 4. Dolly Rebecca Parton (Born 1946)
  • 5. Robert "Bobby" Lee Parton Jr. (Born 1948)
  • 6. Stella Mae Parton (Born 1949)
  • 7. Cassie Nan Parton (Born 1951)
  • 8. Randy Parton (Born 1953, Deceased 2021)
  • 9. Larry Gerald Parton (Born 1958, Deceased)
  • 10. Floyd Estel Parton (Born 1957, Deceased 2018)
  • 11. Freida Estelle Parton (Born 1959)
  • 12. Rachel Ann Parton George (Born 1959)

Note: There is often confusion about the birth order of Floyd and Larry, but Larry tragically died shortly after birth, and Floyd was born in 1957. Freida and Rachel are often noted as the youngest, being twins, though Rachel is officially the youngest of the 12.

The Older Siblings: Authors, Caregivers, and Private Lives

The older Parton children often took on parental roles, helping their mother raise the younger ones. This created a profound, lifelong bond, particularly between Dolly and her oldest sister, Willadeene. Three of the brothers—David, Coy, and Bobby—have consistently chosen to live their lives outside of the public eye.

Willadeene Parton: The Family Historian and Poet

As the eldest sibling, Willadeene Parton (85 years old in 2025) played a crucial role in the family’s upbringing, often caring for Dolly and the others. She is a talented poet and author, best known for her 1996 book, Smoky Mountain Memories: Stories from the Mountain Side. Willadeene has largely eschewed the celebrity spotlight, preferring a quieter life, though she did perform in a gospel singing combo with her sisters Cassie and Stella in her younger years.

David Wilburn Parton & Coy Denver Parton

David Wilburn Parton, the second oldest, lived a private life and is now deceased. The third sibling, Coy Denver Parton, is the oldest living brother in the family. Like David, Coy has deliberately stayed out of the music industry and the public eye, choosing a low-profile existence away from the glitz and glamour of Nashville.

Robert "Bobby" Lee Parton Jr.

Robert "Bobby" Lee Parton Jr., the fifth child, also maintains a very private and tranquil life away from the intense media scrutiny that follows his famous sister. He is known to enjoy a low-profile lifestyle, preferring the quiet of the mountains to the demands of show business.

The Parton Family Singers: Stella, Cassie, Freida, and Rachel

Beyond Dolly, a significant number of the Parton sisters and brothers have pursued successful careers in the entertainment industry, contributing to the family’s topical authority in country music and acting. Their careers span decades, from recording albums to performing at Dollywood, and even taking on roles in television.

Stella Mae Parton: The Maverick and Activist

Stella Mae Parton is perhaps the most publicly active and outspoken of the surviving siblings. A country music maverick, Stella is a successful singer-songwriter with nearly two dozen albums to her name. In recent years, she has gained attention for her role as an author (*Tell It Sister, Tell It: Memories, Music and Miracles*) and as a passionate human rights activist, frequently sharing her strong, sometimes controversial, political views on social media.

Cassie Nan Parton: The Gospel Voice

Cassie Nan Parton is a talented singer and actress who has been involved in the music scene since a young age, performing in a gospel group with her sisters. She is known for her collaborative spirit and has penned songs throughout her career. Cassie was a featured performer in the popular Dollywood show, My People, showcasing the family's shared musical gifts.

Freida Estelle Parton: The Rock-Singing Twin

Freida Estelle Parton is one of the youngest siblings and a twin to Rachel (though Rachel is technically the youngest). Freida is known for her powerful voice and has explored different genres, including rock music, distinguishing her from her country-focused sisters. She has also been involved in a ministry. Most recently, in late 2025, Freida shared an update on Dolly's health, demonstrating the close-knit nature of the family.

Rachel Ann Parton George: The Youngest Actress

Rachel Ann Parton George is the youngest of the 12 children. She has a dual career as a singer and actress, notably appearing in the television adaptation of her sister’s film, Nine to Five (1982), and Dolly Parton's Mountain Memories. Rachel also worked closely with Dolly behind the scenes for years, serving as her personal makeup artist for various photoshoots and television appearances.

The Legacies of the Deceased Siblings: Randy, Floyd, and Larry

Four of the 12 Parton children have passed away, leaving behind significant musical legacies that continue to influence the family and country music.

Randy Parton (1953–2021)

Randy Parton was a successful country music singer-songwriter, actor, musician, and businessman who frequently toured and performed with Dolly, including a long-running show at Dollywood. His voice contributed to many of Dolly’s projects. Randy died on January 21, 2021, at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer, a loss that deeply affected the entire family.

Floyd Estel Parton (1957–2018)

Floyd Estel Parton was a highly gifted songwriter and composer whose compositions became major hits. He is best known for writing the classic hit "Rockin' Years," which Dolly recorded as a duet with Ricky Van Shelton. Floyd also penned "Nickels and Dimes," a song recorded by Dolly for her 1978 album, Heartbreaker. He passed away on December 6, 2018, at the age of 61.

Larry Gerald Parton (1958–1958)

Larry Gerald Parton, born in 1958, tragically died shortly after his birth. His brief life is a poignant part of the Parton family's story, representing the hardships the family endured in their early years in the Smoky Mountains.

dolly parton siblings oldest to youngest
dolly parton siblings oldest to youngest

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